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We had a great time on this 3 day trip. Getting to know Corning, NY from local experts, touring the Rockwell Museum and fantastic Corning Glass Museum as well as learning so much "behind the scenes" information was very interesting. Group Leader Jenny Monroe made history come alive through her local connections to experts in the field.

A very in-depth program on glass. Well organized and highly informative with a variety of interesting activities for the serious collector, glass artist and average person interested in this art form. Curatorial talks are first rate.

I gave this program to my husband for his birthday. It turned out to be a treasured gift for both of us. We have never said, "Wow" and "Amazing" so many times in one week before. I loved the rural ambiance of the Watson Homestead and the quiet after a full day of activity. The staff delight in giving you special treats -the housekeepers and the cooks.
Best souvenir? You get to make your own blown glass ornament and a fused glass sun catcher to take home.
Best meal? Pumpkin pancakes with home made maple syrup.
Tip #1: Wear comfortable shoes. Use part of your 1 hour free time to sit and relax at the Hot Glass Demo or at the museum cafeteria.
Tip #2: As Jill mentioned, bring your hair dryer and shampoo. This is a Retreat Center and not a hotel. There is a soap dispenser filled with hand made soap for hand wash and bathing.
Tip #3: Go outside and explore. I walked the wooded trail to the waterfall; visited the horses; played miniature golf with my new friend, Kitty; and meandered through the miniature stone labyrinth. The pool was closed or I would have added swimming.
Tip #4: Stay an extra day, if at all possible. The program ended about noon on Friday. We planned our flight out of Elmira for 4:30 pm Saturday. Friday afternoon we spent at the hands on workshops in the museum's Studio. We made a glass flower and a glass pendant. Saturday morning we drove (about 1 hr) to Cornell University to see the Cornell Lab of Ornithology bird preserve and the Cornell Plantations and Arboretum.

The tours were excellent BUT I did not like the accommodation or the food. THe Watson Center is so basic that there wasn't even shampoo or a hair dryer. The bedding is old and uncomfortable and the "dining room" furniture is plastic. The food was barely edible. I suggest Road Scholar should find a more comfortable and more upscale place to stay.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!